Stem web

ABSTRACT

A stem web is disclosed that comprises a backing layer having a first surface and a second surface, and an array of 600 to 20000 upstanding stems projecting from the first surface of the backing. The stems comprise a height from 0.3 and 2.0 millimeters and a shore hardness less than 90A. In one embodiment, the stem web further comprises a reinforcing layer secured to the second surface. In one embodiment, the stem web is secured to a tool to be passed across a surface to be cleaned to capture lint and hair.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No.09/982,741, filed Oct. 17, 2001, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.Ser. No. 09/637,567, filed Aug. 11, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,610,382,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Ser. No. 09/166,837, filed Oct.5, 1998, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,372,323.

FIELD

The present invention is directed to stem web articles having a pleasantand soft feel and high friction properties.

BACKGROUND

The development of enhanced grip and anti-slip surfaces typicallycenters around the materials and the surface topology of the article.Common materials include natural and synthetic rubbers, styrenic blockco-polymers, latex, ethylene vinyl acetate, ethylene-propylene rubber,polyurethane, polyester co-polymers, polyimides, and the like. Thesurface topology can range from smooth to having exaggerated grippingstructures. U.S. Pat. No. 3,585,101 discloses a thin sheet of a soft,ductile, flexible material, such as aluminum, brass, plastic or thelike, having a knurled pattern embossed to provide an improved grippingsurface. The sheet can be applied to solid objects using an adhesive.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,488,918 discloses a plastic film having a non-slipsurface comprising spaced, random patterns of rigid peaks and ridgesformed of a second thermoplastic material co-extruded with and bonded toa plastic film. The surface has a pattern of relatively high, sharp,irregular plastic peaks and ridges, sufficiently sharp, hard and roughto effect a mechanical gripping with other surfaces.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,234,740 discloses a slip control surface with astructured surface. The structured surface includes an array ofprotrusions, typically triangular pyramids. The patent discloses thatthe sheeting may be applied to the handles of athletic equipment such assoftball bats, golf clubs, tennis, racquetball, squash, badmintonracquets, as well as the handles of tools.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A stem web is disclosed that comprises a backing layer and an array ofstems with improved friction control surface, gripping surface, orsurface for capturing, grabbing, and/or retaining material. The stem webmay be referred to as a gripping surface or a friction control article.In one embodiment, the stem web is particular suitable for gripping andcapturing such material as debris, lint or hair. The gripping surfacesare generally soft surfaces having an array of flexible, generallyupstanding stems of a variety of shapes produced from a elastomeric,generally thermoplastic, compositions. By “generally upstanding” it ismeant that the stems protrude in a planar direction away from thegripping surface. The stems may protrude upward from the surface atgenerally normal angles, or the stems may protrude at angles away fromthe surface (e.g., at a forty-five degree angle), thereby imparting adirectional frictional performance (i.e., the surface “grips” betterwhen engaged from one direction than another). The stems may also be ofan irregular shape such that they may not protrude any one uniformangle. The size, spatial distribution, flexibility of the stems, stemarray pattern, and the properties of the elastomer material allcontribute to the soft feel of the surface, its ease of draping, and itsgripping performance under wet and dry conditions. The slip controlarticles may be formed in a sheet structure, or a wrap that can beapplied to another article. The slip control articles may also beincorporated directly into a variety of molded or manufactured articles.

In specific embodiments, the slip control article can comprise a backinglayer that has a first surface with an array of stems, the density ofwhich about the surface of the article will be at least 15.5stems/centimeter² (100 stems per square inch), and more typically atleast 50 stems/centimeter² and a second surface. Preferably, the stemdensity will be greater than about 100 stems/centimeter². At least aportion of an exterior surface of the upstanding stems contains anelastomeric material. In one embodiment, the stem web typically has ashore hardness less than 90A. In another embodiment, the stem web has ashore hardness less than 105A.

The backing layer may be integrated with other layers to form amultilayer base or backing construction. Such additional layers mayinclude, for example, a reinforcing web, a foam layer, a substantiallyinelastic polymeric layer, or an adhesive or foamed adhesive layer. Inone embodiment, the backing layer may be the elastomeric materialintegrally formed with the generally upstanding stems. The backing layeralso may be elastic or inelastic, thick or thin, porous or non-porous,knitted, woven, or non-woven, and may be formulated with or without anadhesive layer, etc. A preferred embodiment employs a backing layer thatforms a loop for creating an attachment to a hook.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side-sectional view of a friction or slip control article inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 1A is a side-sectional view of a two-sided slip control article inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a side-sectional view of an alternate slip control article inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side-sectional view of co-extruded slip control article inaccordance with the present invention.

FIG. 3A is a side-sectional view of an alternate co-extruded slipcontrol article in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a side-sectional view of a slip control article with anabsorbent layer on the second surface in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5A is a side-sectional view of a slip control article includingmicro-channels and an absorbent material in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 5B is a top view of the slip control article of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a water droplet interacting with aslip control article in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of water being channeled away fromthe upstanding stems on a slip control article in accordance with thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary article incorporating theslip control article of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a schematic illustration of an exemplary method ofmanufacturing the slip control article in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of another exemplary method ofmanufacturing the slip control article in accordance with the presentinvention.

FIG. 11 is a side sectional view of two of the inventive frictioncontrol articles in mated contact, such as between a glove and handlewhere each has the inventive article affixed thereon.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged view of a portion of area A in FIG. 10 as theopposed surfaces move past each other, overcoming stem interference.

While the above-identified drawing figures set forth preferredembodiments of the invention, other embodiments are also contemplated,as noted in the discussion. In all cases, this disclosure presents thepresent invention by way of representation and not limitation. It shouldbe understood that numerous other modifications and embodiments can bedevised by those skilled in the art which fall within the scope andspirit of the principles of this invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A stem web is disclosed that comprises a backing layer and an array ofstems. Depending on the application the stem web may provide an improvedfriction control surface, a gripping surfaces, or a surface forcapturing, grabbing, and/or retaining material such as debris, lint, orhair. The stem web has a pleasant and soft feel, high frictionalproperties and good gripping performance in both wet and dry conditions.

Throughout the disclosure the stem web may be referred to as a frictioncontrol article, a slip control article, or a stem web. FIG. 1 is aside-sectional view of a friction or slip control article 20 inaccordance with the present invention. The article 20 includes a backinglayer 21 having a first surface 24 with an array of generally upstandingstems 26. The stems may be arranged in a regular or an irregular array.Various patterns of stems may be used, such as hexagonal, diagonal,sinusoidal, etc. The stems 26 are constructed at least in part of anelastomeric material. Preferably, the entire exterior surface of thestems 26 are an elastomeric material. In the embodiment of FIG. 1, thebacking layer 21 is integrally formed with the stems 26 of anelastomeric material. The combination of the backing layer 21 and thestems 26 is sometimes referred to as a stem web. Although theillustrated embodiments show the stems 26 as being generallycylindrical, the sides of the stems 26 typically have a slight taper 35to facilitate removal from the mold. As shown in, the taper 35 is inwardfrom the base to the tip of the stem. It is understood, that the stemmay be constructed having a taper outward from the base to the tip ofthe stem. A variety of non-cylindrical shapes can also be utilized, suchas truncated cones or pyramids, rectangles, hemispheres, squares,hexagon, octagon, gum drops, and the like.

The slip or friction control article 20 has generally upstanding stems26 constructed of an elastomeric material and a backing layer 21 to holdthe structure together. The backing layer 21, from which the stemdirectly extend, is typically about 0.05 millimeters to about 0.5millimeters (0.002 inches to 0.02 inches) thick. The elastomericproperties of the backing layer 21, however, do not fulfill allrequirements for some applications, such as when the slip controlarticle 20 is used as a gripping wrap. Therefore, additional backinglayers 22, 34, 36 are optionally applied to the second surface 25 toreinforce the backing layer 21 and form a multilayer base or backingconstruction. The additional backing layer 22 may serve to stabilize andreinforce the slip control article 20, to resist stretching andimproving tear resistance, to create an attachment surface, as well as avariety of other functions. Adhesive layer 34 and release liner 36 areoptionally provided for attaching the present slip control article 20 toanother surface. As used herein, “backing” or “base” layer will be usedto refer to the collective backing or base construction. Such aconstruction may be single or multi-layered (such as shown in FIG. 1)having one or more layers that support the generally upstanding stems,although typically at most one of these layers will be integrally formedwith the stems.

In some instances, the backing layer 21 is sufficiently thick to bond areinforcing web during extrusion, such as a sheet of fabric or scrimmaterial, to impart increased tear resistance and tensile strength. Thereinforcing web 22 is particularly useful when the slip control articleis attached to a flexible substrate via sewing. The reinforcing web maybe a foamed of a solid polymeric material. In one embodiment, it mayinclude a porous and/or absorbent layer, such as layers of fibrousmaterial or fabric scrim which may be woven or nonwoven. A porousmaterial is useful for absorbing moisture and/or directing moisture awayfrom the stems. In one embodiment, the reinforcing web includes asubstantially inelastic layer to prevent necking or stretching of theslip control article.

The reinforcing web may be incorporated to provide a portion of anattachment mechanism. For example, the reinforcing web may be a hook orloop material for providing attachment to another hook. In oneembodiment, the reinforcing web is a knitted or nonwoven material thatprovides a loop for attaching to a hook. Therefore, the stem web may besecured to a separate surface, such as, for example, a tool thatincludes a hook.

Suitable backing layer materials include thermoplastic polyurethanes,polyvinyl chlorides, polyamides, polyimides, polyolefins (e.g.,polyethylene and polypropylene), polyesters (e.g., polyethyleneterephthalate), polystyrenes, nylons, acetals, block polymers (e.g.,polystyrene materials with elastomeric segments, available from KRATONPolymers Company of Houston, Tex., under the designation KRATON™,polycarbonates, thermoplastic elastomers (e.g., polyolefin, polyester ornylon types) and copolymers and blends thereof. The thermoplasticmaterial may also contain additives, including but not limited tofillers, fibers, antistatic agents, lubricants, wetting agents, foamingagents, surfactants, pigments, dyes, coupling agents, plasticizers,suspending agents, hydrophilic/hydrophobic additives, adhesives, and thelike.

The optional adhesive layer 34 typically comprises an adhesive selectedto provide a bond to a substrate article to which the slip controlsurface is to be applied, such as pressure sensitive adhesives,thermosetting or thermoplastic adhesives, radiation cured adhesives,adhesives activated by solvents, and blends thereof. The adhesive mayinclude filaments. The backing layer can optionally be laminated orimpregnated with the adhesive. One adhesive useful in the presentinvention is Scotch™ Adhesive Transfer Tape 950 available from MinnesotaMining and Manufacturing Company. Many suitable epoxy, urethane,synthetic or natural based rubber and acrylic adhesives are commerciallyavailable for this purpose as well. Depending upon the application, theadhesive may releasably bond or permanently bond the slip controlarticle to a surface.

FIG. 1A is a sectional view of a two-sided slip control article 20′ asgenerally illustrated in FIG. 1, without the additional backing layers22, 34, 36. The article 20′ includes a backing layer 21′ with an arrayof generally upstanding stems 26′ on both the first and second surfaces24′, 25′. The stems 26′ are constructed of a single elastomericmaterial. In the embodiment of FIG. 1A, the backing layer 21′ isintegrally formed with the stems 26′ of an elastomeric material. Invarious embodiments, the two sides of the stems of the backing layer mayhave the same or different shapes and may extend along only a portion ofthe overall article. In another embodiment, the upper and lower portionsmay be co-extruded from two different elastomeric materials.Alternatively, the upper and lower portions (which may be made from thesame or different material) may be extruded onto both sides of areinforcing web or scrim material. A two-side slip control article inaccordance with the present invention may be formed from the variousdisclosed embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a side-sectional view of an alternate slip control article 40in accordance with the invention. Backing layer 42 defines lowerportions 44 of the stems 46. The upper portions 48 of the stems 46 areconstructed of the elastomeric material. The backing layer 42 and lowerportions of the stems 44 may be constructed of a variety of materials,elastomeric or non-elastomeric, depending upon the application for theslip control article 40. At a minimum, the exterior surface of the upperportions 48 are an elastomeric material. In one embodiment, the upperportions 48 of the stems 44 have hydrophobic properties. Hydrophobicproperties may be obtained by constructing the upper portions 48 from ahydrophobic material or treating the upper portions 48 to achievehydrophobic properties. For applications involving contact withnon-polar liquids, the upper portions 48 of the stems 46 may be treatedto achieve hydrophilic properties (e.g., corona treatment).

FIG. 3 is a side-sectional view of another alternate slip controlarticle 50 formed by co-extrusion in accordance with the invention. Thebacking layer 52 protrudes into a center regions 54 to add structuralintegrity to the elastomeric stems 56. The backing layer 52 is typicallya stiffer polymeric material.

FIG. 3A is an alternate slip control article 50′ formed by co-extrusionin accordance with the invention. The stems 56′ and backing layer 52′are constructed of an elastomeric material. The stems 56′ protrudethrough a center region 54′ of an additional backing layer 53′. Theadditional backing layer 53′ may provide structural stability,hydrophobic/hydrophilic properties or a variety of other functions. Inone embodiment, the additional backing layer 53′ may be an elastomericmaterial with properties different from those used to construct thestems 56′.

FIG. 4 is a side-sectional view of an slip control article 70incorporating a plurality of holes 72 through the backing layer 74 influid communication with an absorbent layer 76. The absorbent layer 76draws moisture away from the elastomeric stems 78 to maintain goodfrictional properties in wet conditions.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate a slip control article 80 incorporatingmicro-channels 82 on the backing layer 84 between the upstandingelastomeric stems 86. The micro-channels 82 utilize capillary forces tocause the rapid transport of a fluid in a direction of a driving force.Absorbent layer 88 is located along the first surface 89 of the backing84 to provide the driving force. Alternatively, the driving force may begravity and/or hydrophilic areas on the stems 86.

A number of mechanisms combine to give the present slip control articleexceptional frictional properties in both wet and dry conditions. FIG. 6is a schematic illustration of an individual water or liquid drop 60residing on hydrophobic tips 62 of the stems 64. The drop 60 is easilyremoved from the stem 64 by shaking or gripping of the slip controlarticle 66. The redistribution of liquid can also be impacted by stemdensity.

Deposition of large amounts of liquid 60 results in distribution of theliquid at the base of the stems 64 while the tips 62 remain dry, asillustrated in FIG. 7. When water or any other polar liquid is depositedon the surface of the slip control article 66, the tips 62 of the stems64 remain exposed due to the hydrophobic nature of the thermoplasticelastomer polymer. Constructing the backing or base layer from ahydrophilic material assists in directing the fluid 60 away from thetips 62.

The generally upstanding stems 64 grip with other surfaces primarily dueto the frictional properties of the elastomeric material of the stems.Frictional performance does not require the stems 64 to protrude intothe other surface (i.e., interlocking mechanical engagement is notrequired like on a two-part mechanical fastener). Therefore, frictionalcontact can be made with both soft and rigid materials.

The disclosed stem web construction with high friction characteristicsare useful in a variety of applications. The constructions providegripping properties and are conformable, have a soft feel or touch, andresist linting. The inventive structure comprises a multiplicity ofstems arranged in a square, universally spaced or randomly spaced array.

Soft feel and conformability of the friction control articles can becreated by a combination of a soft material, stem geometry and stemspacing. Thus, the positioning of the stems closer to each other thantactile points in human fingers makes it difficult to distinguishindividual stems by feel. If present, the reinforcing web or scrimmaterial can also affect the conformability of the composite article.The stems can be made to bend under an applied pressure, which can lendadditional softness to the structure where desired. It may also animportant feature that the stems be made of a soft, low durometer (e.g.,less than 50 Shore D (75A), preferably less than 105A) material whichhas a high coefficient of friction (e.g., higher than 0.8). In the main,the “softness” component of the construction ostensibly originates fromstem bending, rather than from material compression. The stemspreferably are therefore formed from a highly resilient elastomericpolymer which has very low values of tension and compression set. As aresult, the stem web construction retains a soft tactile feel aftermultiple uses. Bent stems expose additional surface area available forfriction, thus enhancing gripping performance. As the gripping pressureor load is released, the stems will return to their original, generallyupwardly projecting positions.

The stem web provides a surface for gathering, capturing, grabbing,and/or retaining material such as debris, lint, or hair when the stemweb is contacted with a surface to be cleaned. In particular, the stemweb is wiped across a surface to be cleaned. In one embodiment, the stemweb is able to capture, grab and retain at least 60% wt., more typicallyat least 70% wt., of the debris, lint, or hair on the surface. The stemweb is capable of gathering debris, such as, for example, foodparticles, dirt, sand, dander, fibers, or lint, or hair. Such things asfibers, lint, or hair can become entangled in the stems and thereforeare more likely to be retained within the stem web.

The stem web provides a soft feel and conformable cleaning surface thatresults in minimal damage when wiped repeatedly over a variety ofsurfaces, such as fabric and upholstery. Therefore, the stem can berepeatedly used to clean such things as clothing, furniture, andcarpeting to remove debris, lint or hair without excessive wear on thesurface to be cleaned.

In such an application the stem web may be utilized in conjunction witha tool. One example of a suitable tool is disclosed in U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. ______ titled “A Cleaning Surface and Method ofCleaning a Surface” filed on even dated, the disclosure of which isherein incorporated by reference. For utilizing the stem web inconjunction with a tool it may be desirable to provide an attachmentmechanism for securing the stem web to the tool. Suitable attachmentmechanisms include an adhesive or a mechanical fastener. The adhesivemay be included on the backing of the stem web or on the tool. Themechanical fastener may be a hook or hook and loop attachment mechanism.For example, as discussed above, the backing of the stem web may includea reinforcing layer that provides a loop for attachment to hooks on atool.

The friction or slip control article provides high shear forces whenengaged with another friction or slip control article, at minimalpressure. Since the stems are constructed substantially from a highlyflexible elastomeric material, high shear forces are not derived from amechanical interlock of the stems (such as on a mechanical fastener) orfrom a mere mechanical blocking from opposed rigid stems. Rather, thefrictional properties of the stems are enhanced by the stem size, stemdensity, and stem pattern when two slip control articles are engagedwith each other. The soft, high friction stems of the inventive slipcontrol article are bendable to achieve the desirable characteristics.Possible applications include gloves having the present slip controlarticle located for gripping a surface also including the slip controlarticle. This effect can also be observed when the article is brought incontact with another surface or object, such as with a nonwoven, sponge,or other instrument.

It is understood that the stem web used alone, without interaction withanother stem web, provides advantageous properties such as increasedfrictional interaction with another surface. For example, as discussedabove, the stem web may be used independently to capture, grab, orretain debris, lint, or hair when passed across a surface to be cleaned.

When the stem web surfaces of two inventive friction control articlesare combined face-to-face, a predetermined blend of mechanicalinterference and stem to stem friction between the opposed stems createa predictable and reliable friction control interface. While suchopposed stem webs may be identical, the stem web surfaces do not have tobe identical in nature, material or stem spacing for this to occur.Thus, a 3,000 stem/in² (465 stem/cm²) pattern on one surface wouldachieve an effective mechanical interference with a 1,000, 2,000, 3,000,etc., stems/in² (155, 310 and 465 stems/cm²) pattern on an opposedsurface. The shear performance is dependent upon the stem density and ispredictable. As a lateral displacement force is applied between the twoopposed stem web surfaces, the stems of each surface slip along thesides of the stems of the other surface and may bend. This type ofinteraction creates a controlled friction force that results from stemengagement which is not at all the same as the interlocking of opposedstems like on a mechanical two-part fastener. The effective coefficientof friction between the two friction control articles depends upon therelative materials used, stem geometries, stem spacings and themagnitude of applied force normal to the friction surface.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate in general terms the relationship betweenopposed mated stem webs of two friction control articles which arealigned in a face-to-face interference relation. FIG. 10 illustratesopposed slip control articles 90 a and 90 b. Slip control article 90 ahas a backing layer 92 a with a first surface 93 a and a second surface94 a. Stems 95 a project from the first surface 93 a of the backinglayer 92 a. Another backing layer or other support body structure 96 ais affixed to the second surface 94 a of the backing layer 92 a.Likewise, the slip control article 90 b has a backing layer 92 b with afirst surface 93 b and a second surface 94 b. An array of stems 95 bprojects from the first surface 93 b of the backing layer 92 b. Anotherbacking layer or other support body structure 96 b is affixed to thesecond surface 94 b of the backing layer 92 b. When the slip controlarticles 90 a and 90 b are aligned in stem web facing alignment (as inFIG. 10) and urged together by a force normal to the stem web arraysthereon, the stems mechanically interfere as shown.

FIG. 11 illustrates in greater detail the contact engagement of opposedstems 95 a and 95 b when a lateral displacement force is applied betweenthe two opposed slip control articles 90 a and 90 b. The engaged stemsbend yet resist relative lateral movement of the opposed slip controlarticles 90 a and 90 b, thus achieving a high shear force resistance,while still providing little or no peel force resistance for separatingthe opposed slip control articles 90 a and 90 b. The degree of stembending depends on material properties, applied forces and theorientation of the stems themselves.

In optimizing the frictional interface of two opposed inventive frictioncontrol articles, it is preferred that the total stem area of eachfriction control article (the area of the stems relative to the totalarea of the article, as considered in the orientation of FIG. 5B) beless than about 45% to allow for the stems of the two opposed frictioncontrol article surfaces to easily fit together. While a less than about45% total stem area is preferable, a more preferable total stem area isless than about 40%, and an even more preferable total stem area is lessthan about 35%. In one preferred embodiment, the total stem area isabout 30%. There is thus significant void area between the stems inrelation to the total stem area. When two of the inventive frictioncontrol stemmed surfaces are brought in contact with each other (e.g.,FIG. 10), the spacial interference of the stems resists relative lateralmovement. Further lateral movement force against one or both of thefriction control articles causes the stems to bend and slide againsteach other (see, e.g., FIG. 11). Resistance to sliding of one frictioncontrol gripping surface against the other originates from two factors:(1) the force required to bend the stems to clear the passage, and (2)friction between the walls of the opposed stems. Each factor can beadjusted to address a specific friction control application and achievedesired frictional characteristics. Thus, changing the coefficient offriction of the material forming the stems increases the frictionfactor. Changing the shapes of the stems, for example making them squarein cross section, increases overlap between the stems and will result inhigher forces required to bend the stems. A higher flex modulus of thematerial will bring a similar result, which is a larger magnitude offorces required to slide the opposed surfaces.

In some embodiments, the opposed mating surfaces of the friction controlmaterials may be formed from the same material, with both stems bendingin a like manner, or one of the friction control articles may be formedfrom a material which is stiffer and less flexible than the other (oreven rigid). As mentioned above, these factors may be varied to controlthe desired frictional characteristics of mated friction controlarticles, so long as one of the arrays of stems is sufficiently flexibleto bend to some degree. Generally, the coefficient of friction is aproperty of the surface and is force independent. In our invention,however, stems deform under the applied vertical load, which alters theeffective (measured) coefficient of friction. This later fact makesfriction load dependent. Therefore, we introduce the termpseudo-coefficient of friction, which stands for measured coefficient.This later value can be expressed as a ratio of lateral force to thenormal force exerted on the article.

The frictional interface between the facing contact surfaces of opposedfriction control articles can be predetermined by design, dependent uponthe relative materials used, stem geometries, stem spacings and themagnitude of applied force normal to the friction surface. The stems ofthe opposed stem arrays are aligned in an opposed, contacting andinterfitting relation (such as seen in FIG. 10) when a normal force isapplied, and the application of a relative lateral displacement forcebetween the stem arrays causes the stems of at least one of the arraysto bend. Relative lateral movement of the two opposed friction controlarticles is resisted by a predictable force required to bend those stemsand the frictional interference between opposed contacting stems.

Referring again to FIG. 1, stems that are generally upstanding tend tooptimize the performance of the slip control article. The stems are keptupstanding by the stem diameter and the nature of the elastomericmaterial. The stems typically have a height 28 in the range of about 0.2mm to about 3 mm, preferably about 0.2 mm to about 1.5 mm. Theseparation or gap 30 between adjacent stems 26 is generally in the rangeof about 0.25 mm and about 2.5 mm and more typically in the range ofabout 0.4 mm to about 1.0 mm. This separation gap creates a percent offree volume that is volume within the stem web that is not occupied bythe stems. The percent of free volume is typically from 60 to 98% of thestem web and more typically from 85 to 95%. The stems 26 have a maximumcross sectional dimension 29 of about 0.076 mm to about 0.76 mm. Thestems 26 are arranged on the backing in a density of at least 15.5 percentimeter squared (100 per square inch), and more typically at least 50per centimeter squared. The stem density is generally at most about 1500per centimeter squared, more typically at most about 500 per centimetersquared.

The stems have an aspect ratio of at least 1.25, and preferably at least1.5, and most preferably at least 2.0. Aspect ratio refers to the ratioof stem height to the maximum cross sectional dimension. For stems witha circular cross section, the maximum cross sectional dimension is thestem diameter. When the stems or pins are formed from an elastomericmaterial, the relatively small stem diameter enhances the soft nature ofthe stem web surface to the touch.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an exemplary article 100 incorporatingthe slip control surface 102 in accordance with the present invention.The article 100 is a grip having an opening 104 at one end, suitable forattachment to a variety of structures such as a surgical instrument. Thearticle 100 may be made using a variety of processes, such as injectionmolding, profile extrusion, roll extrusion forming, etc.

In some embodiments, providing optical effects on the friction controlarticle may be desired. This may be achieved through additionalmicroreplication techniques on one or both sides of the backing layerand/or by forming the backing layer from a material which istransparent, translucent, polarizing, etc. For example, in reference tothe slip control article 20 of FIG. 1, a transparent backing layer 21would allow printing on the second surface 25 of the backing layer 21 tobe visible from the stem web side of the slip control article 20. Thestems 26 may also be transparent, or formed from an alternative opaquematerial or coated with an opaque coating to achieve a variety ofdesired optical effects. Alternatively, the printing may be applied onthe first surface 24 of the slip control article 20 (on the landsbetween stems 26) for any desired informative, decorative or advertisingpurpose. A particular slip control article may be fully transparent, oronly transparent in part or parts, as desired.

In many applications, a single friction control article may besufficient to provide the desired frictional and/or grippingcharacteristics. In addition, the friction control article can beapplied by either molding it in a particular shape, applying patchesthereof using adhesive or other affixing means, or by wrapping the itemswith a tape of the friction control article.

Elastomeric Materials

The elastomeric material can be any thermoplastic elastomer that can beheated to a state in which it can be flowed and molded, such as thosedescribed in G. Holden et al., Thermoplastic Elastomers, (2^(nd) ed.1996). It is also within the scope of this invention to use two or moredifferent thermoplastic elastomeric materials in either layered orblended form to define that portion of the slip control article.

The term “elastomer” or “elastomeric” is used to refer to rubbers orpolymers that have resiliency properties similar to those of rubber. Inparticular, the term elastomer reflects the property of the materialthat it can undergo a substantial elongation and then return to itsoriginal dimensions upon release of the stress elongating the elastomer.In all cases an elastomer must be able to undergo at least 10%elongation (at a thickness of 0.5 mm), and more preferably at least 30%elongation, and return to at least 50% recovery after being held at thatelongation for 2 seconds and after being allowed 1 minute relaxationtime. More typically, an elastomer can undergo 25% elongation withoutexceeding its elastic limit. In some cases elastomers can undergoelongation to as much as 300% or more of their original dimensionswithout tearing or exceeding the elastic limit of the composition.Elastomers are typically defined to reflect this elasticity as in ASTMDesignation D883-96 as a macromolecular material that at roomtemperature returns rapidly to approximately its initial dimensions andshape after substantial deformation by a weak stress and release of thestress. ASTM Designation D412-98A can be an appropriate procedure fortesting rubber properties in tension to evaluate elastomeric properties.

For some applications, thermoset elastomers may be used. Generally, suchcompositions include relatively high molecular weight compounds which,upon curing, form an integrated network or structure. The curing may beby a variety of methods, including chemical curing agents, catalysts,and/or irradiation.

The final physical properties of the material are a function of avariety of factors, most notably: number and weight average polymermolecular weights; the melting or softening point of the reinforcingdomains (hard segment) of the elastomer (which, for example, can bedetermined according to ASTM Designation D1238-86); the percent byweight of the elastomer composition which comprises the hard segmentdomains; the structure of the toughening or soft segment (low T_(g))portion of the elastomer composition; the cross-link density (averagemolecular weight between crosslinks); and the nature and levels ofadditives or adjuvants, etc.

Examples of classes of elastomers include anionic triblock copolymers,polyolefin-based thermoplastic elastomers, thermoplastic elastomersbased on halogen-containing polyolefins, thermoplastic elastomers basedon dynamically vulcanized elastomer-thermoplastic blends, thermoplasticpolyether ester or polyester based elastomers, thermoplastic elastomersbased on polyamides or polyimides, ionomeric thermoplastic elastomers,hydrogenated block copolymers in thermoplastic elastomerinterpenetrating polymer networks, thermoplastic elastomers bycarbocationic polymerization, polymer blends containingstyrene/hydrogenated butadiene block copolymers, and polyacrylate-basedthermoplastic elastomers. Some specific examples of elastomers arenatural rubber, butyl rubber, EPDM rubber, silicone rubber such aspolydimethyl siloxane, polyisoprene, polybutadiene, polyurethane,ethylene/propylene/diene terpolymer elastomers, chloroprene rubber,styrene-butadiene copolymers (random or block), styrene-isoprenecopolymers (random or block), acrylonitrile-butadiene copolymers,mixtures thereof and copolymers thereof. The block copolymers may belinear, radial or star configurations and may be diblock (AB) ortriblock (ABA) copolymers or mixtures thereof. Blends of theseelastomers with each other or with modifying non-elastomers are alsocontemplated. Commercially available elastomers include block polymers(e.g., polystyrene materials with elastomeric segments), available fromKRATON Polymers Company of Houston, Tex., under the designation KRATON™.

The elastomeric resin materials, such as those described above, may alsohave added to them any of a number of customary additives, including,for example, plasticizers, tackifiers, fillers, antioxidants, UVabsorbers, hindered amine light stabilizers (HALS), dyes or pigments,opacifying agents and the like.

Method of Manufacture

The process illustrated in FIG. 9 shows a three-roll vertical stackmolding apparatus 150 which includes an extruder and extrusion die 152adapted for extruding one or more layers of molten thermoplasticmaterial 154 into a mold 156. In this case, the mold 156 is a roll 158,which has on its outer cylindrical surface a desired surface pattern fortransference to the molten thermoplastic material 154 as it passes overthe cylindrical surface of the roll 158. In the illustrated embodiment,the surface of the roll 158 has a plurality of arranged cavities 160adapted to form a like plurality of upstanding stems 162. The cavitiesmay be arranged, sized and shaped as required to form a suitable surfacestem structures from the thermoplastic material 154. In one embodiment,a sufficient additional quantity of molten thermoplastic material 154 isextruded into the mold 156 to form a portion of the backing layer (seeFIGS. 1 and 3).

The roll 158 is rotatable and forms a nip 166, along with an opposedroll 168. The nip 166 between the roll 158 and opposed roll 168 assistsin forcing the flow of molten thermoplastic material 154 into thecavities 160 and provides a uniform backing layer thereon. The spacingof the gap forming the nip 166 can be adjusted to assist the formationof a predetermined thickness of the backing layer of thermoplasticmaterial 154. Optionally, backing layer 164 is simultaneously broughtinto the nip 166. Depending upon the composition of the elastomericmaterial and the geometry of the upstanding stems 162, the backing layer164 may be useful in efficiently removing the slip control article 172from the mold 156.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the slip control article 172 may traverse athird roll 170 after exiting the roll 158. In this process, thetemperatures of all three rolls 158, 168, 170 may be selectivelycontrolled to achieve desired cooling of the thermoplastic material 154.The third roll 170 also serves to define the further path traversed bythe slip control article 172.

The mold 158 may be of the type used for either continuous processing(such as a tape, a cylindrical drum or a belt), or batch processing(such as an injection mold or a compression mold). When making a mold158 for forming the upstanding stems 162, the cavities 160 of the mold158 may be formed in any suitable manner, such as by drilling,machining, laser drilling, water jet machining, casting, etching, diepunching, diamond turning, engraving, knurling and the like. Theplacement of the cavities determines the spacing and orientation of theslip control article. The stems 162 typically have shapes correspondingto the shape of the cavities 160. The mold cavities can be open at theend of the cavity opposite the surface from which the moltenthermoplastic material is applied to facilitate injection of thethermoplastic material into the cavity. If the cavity is closed, avacuum can be applied to the cavity so that the molten thermoplasticmaterial fills substantially the entire cavity. Alternatively, closedcavities can be longer than the lengths of the stem structures beingformed so that the injected material can compress the air in thecavities. The mold cavities should be designed to facilitate release ofthe surface stem structures therefrom, and thus may include angled sidewalls, or a release coating (such as a Teflon material layer) on thecavity walls. The mold surface may also include a release coatingthereon to facilitate release of the thermoplastic material backinglayer from the mold. In some embodiments, the cavities can be angledrelative to the surface of the roll.

The mold can be made from suitable materials that are rigid or flexible.The mold components can be made of metal, steel, ceramic, polymericmaterials (including both thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers suchas silicone rubber) or combinations thereof. The materials forming themold must have sufficient integrity and durability to withstand thethermal energy associated with the particular flowable thermoplasticmaterial used to form the backing layer and surface topographies. Inaddition, the material forming the mold preferably allows the cavitiesto be formed by various methods, is inexpensive, has a long servicelife, consistently produces material of acceptable quality, and allowsfor variations in processing parameters.

The molten thermoplastic material is flowed into the mold cavity, andover the surface of the mold to form the layer of cover material. Tofacilitate flow of the molten thermoplastic material, the thermoplasticmaterial typically must be heated to an appropriate temperature, andthen coated into the cavities. This coating technique can be anyconventional technique, such as calendar coating, cast coating, curtaincoating, die coating, extrusion, gravure coating, knife coating, spraycoating or the like. In FIG. 9, a single extruder and extrusion diearrangement is shown. However, the use of two (or more) extruders andassociated dies allows simultaneous extrusion into the nip 166 of aplurality of thermoplastic materials to achieve a multi-component(layered or blended) laminate cover material.

The flow of the molten thermoplastic material 154 into the mold 158 mayalso be facilitated by the application of pressure between opposingrolls 158 and 168. When the backing layer 164 includes a porousmaterial, the three-roll vertical molding apparatus 150 controls thedegree of penetration of the molten thermoplastic material 154. In thisfashion, the quantity of molten thermoplastic material 154 can becontrolled to barely penetrate the surface coating of the backing layer164, or to penetrate the porous backing layer 164 on the opposite sideof introduction of thermoplastic material 154 so as to almostencapsulate the backing layer 164. The penetration of the moltenthermoplastic material 154 into the porous backing layer 164 may also becontrolled by the temperature of the molten thermoplastic material 154,the quantity of thermoplastic material 154 in the nip 166, and/or byextruder flow rates in conjunction with the line speed of the moldcavities.

After the molten thermoplastic material 154 has been coated into themold cavities 160 and over the mold surface 156, the thermoplasticmaterial is cooled to solidify and form the desired exterior surfacetopography thereon (e.g., upstanding stems 162). The solidifiedthermoplastic material is then separated from the mold 158. Thethermoplastic material 154 will often shrink when it is solidified,which facilitates release of the material (e.g., surface stem structuresand backing layer) and integral film layer from the mold (see FIG. 1).Part or all of the mold may be cooled to aid in solidifying the surfacestem structures and backing layer. Cooling can be effected by the use ofwater, forced air, heat transfer liquids or other cooling processes.

Some molding processes, such as injection molding, may utilize thermosetelastomeric polymers. When thermosetting resins are used as the moltenmaterial, the resin is applied to the mold as a liquid in an uncured orunpolymerized state. After the resin has been coated onto the mold, itis polymerized or cured until the resin is solid. Generally, thepolymerization process involves either a setting time, or exposure to anenergy source, or both, to facilitate the polymerization. The energysource, if provided, can be heat or radiation energy such as an electronbeam, ultraviolet light or visible light. After the resin is solidified,it is removed from the mold. In some instances, it may be desired tofurther polymerize or cure the thermosetting resin after the surfacestem structures are removed from the mold. Examples of suitablethermosetting resins include melamine, formaldehyde resins, acrylateresins, epoxy resins, urethane resins and the like. The formation of abacking layer having upstanding stem structures on at least one sidethereof can be performed by injection molding or profile extrusion, suchas is disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,290,174 (Kalleberg); 5,077,870(Melbye et al.); and 5,201,101 (Rouser et al.).

One method for making a dual sided friction control article isillustrated in FIG. 10. The process is similar to that depicted in FIG.9, except that both roll 158 and 168 contain cavities into which thestems are molded. In the process shown in FIG. 10 molten thermoplasticmaterial 154 is extruded from die 152 and passes with optional backingmaterial 164 (e.g., a reinforcing web or scrim material) between rollers158 and 168 to form dual-sided stemmed web 172, from which the frictioncontrol articles may be made.

Test Procedure for Measuring Static and Dynamic Coefficients Of Friction

The static and dynamic coefficient of friction for each film sample wasmeasured on a Thwing-Albert Model 225-1 Friction/Peel Tester availablefrom Thwing-Albert Instrument Company, Philadelphia, Pa. Equipmentoperation is specified in the Thwing-Albert Instruction Manual,Friction/Peel Tester, Model #225-1 revised 5/94, Software version 2.4.This analysis for the static coefficient of friction measured thehorizontal force required to cause movement of a weighted 5.08 cm by5.08 cm (2 inch by 2 inch) sample of the slip control article against asample of artificial leather sold under the name Ultrasuede™ HPavailable from Toray Ultrasuede America located in Manhattan, N.Y.

The friction test specimen were prepared by anchoring a 5.08 cm by 5.08cm (2 inch by 2 inch) sample of the slip control article to a 5.08 cm by5.08 cm (2 inch by 2 inch) metal test sled. The test specimen wereattached to the sled with a two sided pressure sensitive adhesive suchas SCOTCH 9851, available from Minnesota Mining and ManufacturingCompany, St. Paul, Minn. The metal test sled weighed 500 grams. Anadditional weight of 500 grams was applied to the top of the blockmaking the total weight 1000 grams.

To prepare the artificial leather sample for the friction test a sampleapproximately 10.16 cm by 30.48 cm (4 inches by 12 inches) was anchoredto a metal sheet with a two sided pressure sensitive adhesive tape, suchas SCOTCH 9851 to prevent movement and wrinkling of the sample duringthe test.

The metal sheet with the sample adhered was clamped on to the metalplaten testing surface with the provided spring clip. The metal testsled with film sample on bottom of the sled and additional weightweighing 1000 grams in total was placed on the fabric and pulled for 10seconds at a speed of 5.1 cm (2 inches) per minute across the fabric perinstructions specified in the instructions manual. The staticcoefficient of friction was then calculated by the machine wherein themeasured horizontal force to cause slippage on the sample was divided bythe 1000 gram normal force of the sled. At least five measurements wererecorded for each friction test sample and slip control article.Arithmetic averages were calculated by the friction/peel tester.

Test Method for Dynamic Shear Strength

The dynamic shear strength was measured on an I-mass peel tester. Thetester was set up in the 180° Peel Mode. A sample about 3.8 cm×12.7 cm(1.5 inches×5 inches) of stem web was attached using a double sidedtape, such as 3M 404, and centered lengthwise to an about 1.6 mm ( 1/16inch) thick, 6.35 cm×22.9 cm (2.5 inches wide×9 inches long) aluminumtest panel. Similarly, a sample about 2.54 cm×2.54 cm (1 inch×1 inch) ofstem web was attached to the center of an about 1.6 mm ( 1/16 inch)thick, 6.35 cm×22.9 cm (2.5 inches wide×9 inches long) aluminum testpanel. The panels were then placed together with the stems of eachsample in contact with each other. The engaged thickness of the twosamples without any pressure applied including the aluminum panels wasmeasure using a digital caliper gauge. The weight of the upper panel wasapproximately 53 grams.

An aluminum panel with the larger sample of stem web was attached to themoving platform of the I-mass tester with the stem web side up. Thealuminum panel with the sample about 2.54 cm×2.54 cm (1 inch×1 inch) ofstem web was placed on top so that the stem webs were in an engagedposition. The stem web was positioned so that it was at the end farthestaway from the force gauge so that the sample on the upper panel would bepulled through the lower sample. A bar was placed over the engaged pairwith a gap approximately 0.13 mm-0.254 mm (0.005-0.010 inches) greaterthan the engaged thickness. This bar is designed to prevent the samplesfrom disengaging without exerting undue pressure to engage the two stemweb samples. The end of the upper aluminum panel was attached to theforce gauge in a position so that the gauge would measure a forcedirectly parallel to the moving platform.

The I-mass tester was balanced, zeroed and adjusted to measure a 2second averaging time. The position of the spacing bar was adjusted sothat it would be directly above the stem web sample during the 2 secondaveraging time. The platform rate was set at 30.5 cm/minute (12inches/minute). The peak, valley, and average forces were measure foreach sample. Each sample was tested three times and the average valueswere calculated.

Test Method for Hair Pick-up

The purpose of this test was to determine the ability of a stem webarticle to remove hair from fabric. The test fabrics used were aknitted, cut pile polyester upholstery fabric having a basis weight of450 grams/meter² (gsm), and a polyester fleece fabric having a basisweight of 270 gsm.

The test fabric was fastened to cardboard with a 1 foot square areamarked off. A sample of stem web measuring approximately 3 inches by 5inches (7.6 cm by 12.7 cm) was attached to the bottom of a handle(Scotch-Brite™ Stainless Steel Cleaner handle available from 3M Company)using double coated tape. The mass of the handle and the stem web samplewas recorded. The surface of the test fabric was cleaned off using anadhesive lint roller such as the Scotch™ Lint Roller available from 3MCompany. The testing area was uniformly covered with hair (0.10 grams ofdog hair, obtained from miscellaneous breeds, having a length rangingfrom 0.5 to 3 inches (1.3 to 7.6 cm)). Any clumps of hair that werepresent were broken up into individual hairs as best as possible. Usingmoderate hand pressure, the stem web sample was passed across the testfabric using three bidirectional passes with some overlap across thetest fabric surface. The mass of the handle and stem web sample with thepicked up hair was then recorded. The procedure was repeated threetimes. The area of test fabric used for hair pick-up was then recorded.The amount of hair picked up by the stem web sample was compared to theamount of hair initially placed on the test fabric surface and wasrecorded as the percent pick-up using the following equation. The datain the Table is an average of two tests.${\%\quad{pickup}} = {\frac{{mass}\quad{picked}\quad{up}}{{mass}\quad{placed}\quad{initially}}*100}$Test Method for Coefficient of Friction of Stem Web Against Fabric

The purpose of this test was to determine the Coefficient of Friction(COF) of stem web articles against fabric samples. The test fabrics usedwere a knitted, cut pile polyester upholstery fabric having a basisweight of 450 grams/meter² (gsm), and a polyester fleece fabric having abasis weight of 270 gsm.

The equipment used for testing COF was Thwing-Albert Model 225-1Friction/Peel Tester available from Thwing-Albert Instrument Company,Philadelphia, Pa. Equipment operation is specified in the Thwing-AlbertInstruction Manual, Friction/Peel Tester, Model #225-1. This analysisfor the COF measured the horizontal force required to cause movement ofa weighted 3 inch by 5 inch (7.6 cm by 12.7 cm) sample of the testfabric against the stem web article.

The test fabric friction test specimen were prepared by anchoring a 3inch by 5 inch (7.6 cm by 12.7 cm) sample of the test fabric to a 100gram weight metal panel using a spring loaded metal clip. To prepare thestem web sample for the friction test a stem web sample measuringapproximately 6 inches by 12 inches (15.2 cm by 30.5 cm) was anchored toa testing surface using a spring loaded clip.

The 100 gram weight metal panel having the test fabric attached to itwas placed on top the stem web sample and was pulled for 3 seconds at arate of 110 inches/minute (279 cm/minute). The COF recorded was thatobserved during the last 2.5 seconds of the test, which is morerepresentative of dynamic COF rather than static COF.

Test Method for Fabric Wear

The purpose of this test was to determine the fabric wear or damage doneby a stem web sample. The test fabrics used were a woven polyesterupholstery fabric having a basis weight of 320 gsm and a needle-tackedpolyester felt fabric having a basis weight of 300 gsm.

The equipment used for testing fabric wear was a Gardner Abrasion Testerusing a wear test head weighing 825 grams. The stem web sample was cutequal to the length of the Gardner Machine's test area allowing forextra length if needed. The test fabric sample size was 3 inches by 8inches (7.6 cm by 20.3 cm). The wear tester was set up with the stem websample clamped in the base of the test tray. The test fabric was placedonto the wear head and clamped down tight. Extra fabric was used at theclamp point if needed. The wear head having the fabric clamped to it wasplaced on the stem web sample and the wear tester was run for 5 cycles.The actual contact area between the test fabric and the stem web samplewas 5 cm by 8.5 cm. The test fabric and the stem web sample were thenremoved from the tester. The test fabric was then examined for wear bycomparing it to a fresh piece of test fabric. The wear was reported on ascale of 1 to 5 as described below.

-   -   0=no wear    -   1=Minor wear    -   2=Light wear    -   3=Moderate wear    -   4=Heavy wear    -   5=Sample destroyed        Materials Used in the Examples

A variety of elastomeric materials were used in the preparation of thesamples of the examples. These materials are summarized in Table 1. Someproperties of some of the samples are summarized in Table 2. TABLE 1Material Description ESTANE ™ 58661 available from B. F. Goodrich,Cleveland, OH ESTANE ™ 58238 available from B. F. Goodrich, Cleveland,OH VECTOR ™ 4111 available from Exxon Chemical Co., Houston, TX ESTANE ™5740-820 available from B. F. Goodrich, Cleveland, OH KRATON ™ G1657available from Shell Oil Co., Houston, TX

TABLE 2 Modulus Tensile @ 100%, Ultimate Tensile set 200% Frictionstrength Hardness, Material MPa elongation elongation Coef. MPa Shore APolyurethane 4.5 680% 3% 1.35 48.3 75 Estane ™ 58238 Polyurethane 5.86640% 3% 1.4 52.4 80 Estane ™ 58661 Polyurethane 3.8 750% 5.6%   1.5 24.979 Estane ™ 5740 × 820 Vector ™ 1.9 1200% 15%  2.55 29 38 4111 Kraton ™2.4 750% 10%  2.1 23.4 65 G1657 MPR 6.45 280% 8% .9-2.6 13 77 Alcryn ™2080-BKRheology and Morphology of the Blends

Viscosities of both Estane™ 58661 and Vector™ 4111 were measured overseveral decades of shear rate using both a DSR and a capillary rheometer(CR) at 204° C. (400° F.), the temperature used in the stem webextrusion. It is apparent that at higher shear rates (>10 s−1), theviscosity and elasticity modulus of Vector™ 4111 are approximately twicethat of Estane™ 58661.

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to investigate themorphology of blends of various compositions. The blends were mixedusing a Brabender mixer and pressed into a silicone mold using a hotpress method at about 216° C. (420° F.) at 6.9 MPa (1000 psi) for 60seconds. The tool containing the material was cooled on dry ice. Thesample was peeled from the mold. Only hot-pressed blends, describedbelow, were studied. Micrographs were taken near the sample surface. Adispersed morphology was present in nearly every sample. Only in the60/40 Estane™ 58661 Vector™ 4111 sample were any co-continuousstructures present.

EXAMPLES Example 1

A 50:50 by weight of polyurethane resin Estane™ 58661 and a styrenictriblock copolymer Vector™ 4111 was dry blended as pellets. Polyurethaneprovided durability and resiliency of the structure while Vectorimproved frictional performance. The Estane™ 58661 was dried at about82.3° C. (180° F.) for at least 4 hours. The mixture of pellets wasmixed with about 2 wt % of carbon black/polyurethane blend. The contentof carbon black in the final blend did not exceed 1 wt %.

The mixture was extruded as generally illustrated in FIG. 9, except thatthe tooling was configured as a belt rather than a roll. The extruder asa Davis Standard single screw extruder with about 6.35 cm (2.5 inches)screw diameter designed for polyolefin processing. At about 8revolutions per minute (rpm), the melt was discharged through the die atmelt pressure of about 13.8 MPa (2000 psi). The temperature in the lastzone of the extruder was about 216° C. (420° F.). The temperature of thedie was about 232° C. (450° F.). The opening of the die lip was about0.51 millimeters (0.020 inches).

The melt was pressed into a silicone belt/tool with a metal roll at anip pressure of about 345,705 Pa (50 psi). One of the rolls had a tooledsurface that was heated to about 65.6° C. (150° F.). The surfacecontained an array of holes about 0.254 mm (0.010 inches) in diameterand about 0.46 cm (0.018 inches) apart. A backing layer of double coatedtape available from Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company underproduct designation 404 was introduced into the nip and bonded to theside of the web opposite the upstanding stems. The web and double coatedtape was removed from the tooled surface at a speed of about 1.5meters/minute (5 feet per minute).

The resulting stem web had about 490/centimeters² (3159 stems per squareinch). The center-to-center spacing of the stems was about 0.439 mm(0.0173 inches) in the x-direction and about 0.465 mm (0.0183 inches) inthe y-direction. Stem diameter was about 0.15 mm (0.0059 inches) and thestem height was about 0.625 mm (0.0246 inches). The gap between adjacentstems was about 0.127 mm (0.005 inches).

Wetting capability of water was estimated by measuring a contact anglebetween a drop of water and flat substrate with the same composition asthe stem web. The contact angle was measured to be about 65°, which wasexpected for a hydrophobic material (see generally FIG. 6). A largeamount of water was then applied to the structured surface of the stemweb and viewed in optical microscope. Water completely filled the spacebetween the stems. The tips of the stems were exposed due to hydrophobicnature of the elastomer, as shown in FIG. 7. As a result of the exposedtips, frictional properties were improved when compared to flat sheetperformance, when tested under the same conditions.

The gripping performance was evaluated using two approaches. The firstset of experiments included direct measurements of the frictionalproperties of the stem web. The results were compared to the performanceof the flat substrate made of the same polymer blend as the stem web.The second approach involved direct application of the stem web to anarticle. A 68.6 cm×2.54 cm (27 inches×1 inch) strip of the web waswrapped around a golf shaft and compared to the existing golf gripsperformance in both wet and dry conditions. A panel of evaluators took aseries of swings with the golf club with the new grip. The performanceof the invention was believed to be superior to the control sample inwet conditions. A similar test was conducted with a tennis racket.

Example 2

For more consistent removal of the stem web from the tooled surface anduniform application the articles, a two-layer construction was createdusing a co-extrusion process. The tooling and processing parameters wereas described in Example 1 unless otherwise specified. Rather than thebacking layer of the double coated tape in Example 1, a backing layermade of a 80:20 wt % blend of polyurethane Estane™ 58137 and Vector™4111 was co-extruded with the stem web. The polyurethane had hardness of70 Durometer and the modulus of about 22 MPa (3200 psi). The stifferbacking layer was extruded using about 6.35 cm (2.5 inches) diameterscrew at about 5 rpm. The top layer which formed the stemmed portion ofthe construction was extruded using about a 3.2 cm (1.25 inches)diameter screw extruder operating at about 15 rpm. The temperatureprofile was the same as described in Example 1. The polymer melt wasdischarged at a minimum pressure of about 6.9 MPa (1000 psi) and at thetemperature in the front zone of about 216° C. (420° F.).

Both melts were combined in Cloeren feed block model no. 86-120-398 atabout 232° C. (450° F.). A Cloeren extrusion die with a deckle system,model no. 89-12939, was used. The construction was removed from thetooled surface at about 1.5 meters/minute and about 3 meters/minute (5fpm and 10 fpm). The resulting thickness of the each layer (notincluding the stems), at about 5 fpm take-up speed was about 0.254 mm(0.010 inches).

Example 3

A stem web was made generally according to Example 2 using a tool withdifferent stem geometry and a pressure of about 68,941 Pa (10 psi),resulting in shorter stems. The stem web was a 80:20 by weight ofpolyurethane resin Estane™ 58661 and a styrenic triblock copolymerVector™ 4111. The backing layer was made of a 80:20 wt % blend ofpolyurethane Estane™ 58137 and Vector™ 4111, co-extruded with the stemweb as in Example 2.

The resulting stem web had about 235/centimeters² (1516 stems per squareinch). The center-to-center spacing of the stems was about 0.676 mm(0.0266 inches) in the x-direction and about 0.630 mm (0.0248 inches) inthe y-direction. Stem diameter was about 0.198 mm (0.0078 inches) andthe stem height was about 0.307 mm (0.0121 inches). The gap betweenadjacent stems was about 0.127 mm (0.005 inches).

Example 4

A stem web with a single layer construction and a density of about 139stems/cm² (900 stems/square inch) was created using a tool withdifferent stem geometry and the same processing conditions and polymerblend formulation as in Example 1. The stems had about 50% largerdiameter than the stems on the about 465 stems/cm² (3000 stems/squareinch) construction of Example 1, which lead to better durability of theconstruction. Stem height was about 0.56 mm to about 0.61 mm (0.022inches to 0.024 inches). At a distance between the pins of about 0.84 mm(0.033 inches), individual pins could be felt. Thicker pins are alsoless flexible, which also contributed to a more rough, or coarse feel ofthe surface. This surface is most suited for non-skin contactapplications.

Example 5

A stem web was made using a tool with different stem geometry andsubstantially according to Example 1 with a 80:20 by weight ofpolyurethane resin Estane™ 58661 and a styrenic triblock copolymerVector™ 4111. The resulting stem web had about 46/centimeters² (299stems per square inch). The center-to-center spacing of the stems wasabout 1.68 mm (0.066 inches) in the x-direction and about 1.29 mm(0.0507 inches) in the y-direction. Stem diameter was about 0.459 mm(0.0195 inches) and the stem height was about 0.617 mm (0.0243 inches).The gap between adjacent stems was about 0.254 mm (0.010 inches). Thehigher percentage of polyurethane increased durability of the resultingslip control article.

Example 6

Stem web sheets were made using silicone tooling similar to Example 1and the hot press method discussed above. The formulations are set forthin Table 3, where the ratios refer to percentage of Estane™ 58661 toVector™ 4111. The resulting stem web had about 490/centimeters² (3159stems per square inch). The center-to-center spacing of the stems wasabout 0.439 mm (0.0173 inches) in the x-direction and about 0.465 mm(0.0183 inches) in the y-direction. Stem diameter was about 0.15 mm(0.0059 inches) and the stem height was about 0.625 mm (0.0246 inches).The gap between adjacent stems was about 0.127 mm (0.005 inches).

In order to quantitatively compare the group properties of various blendcompositions in both wet and dry conditions, a Thwing-Alberfriction/peel tester was used to measure both static (SFC) and dynamic(DFC) friction. In addition, friction coefficients for flat sheets, i.e.the other side of the stem web, were also measured for a few of theblend compositions. The average SFC and DFC values for stem websprepared in a batch process using a heated press of various formulationsare given in Table 3. TABLE 3 Frictional properties of blended stem websin dry and wet conditions. Formulation SFC Dry DFC Dry SFC Wet DFC WetEstane 58661 1.3 1.25 1.2 1.1 80/20 1.5 1.5 1.4 1.4 60/40 1.8 1.75 1.71.6 50/50 1.85 1.75 1.7 1.6 40/60 2.1 2.0 2.0 1.9 20/80 2.3 2.11 2.1 1.8Vector 4111 2.5 2.3 2.3 2.1

Stem samples made from pure Vector™ 4111 have the highest DFC and SFC,and pure Estane™ 58661 stem samples have the lowest DFC and SFC.Mixtures are somewhere in between with a nearly linear relationship. Inaddition, SFC and DFC for each blend decreases with the addition ofwater between the stems and the Ultrasuede™ substrate. In fact, theaddition of water causes an only about a 7% decrease in stem webfriction for every blend composition. Small differences in frictionperformance are found for 50/50 and 60/40 blends. Based on frictionalperformance, the 60/40 formulations will lead to better wear propertiessince it possess a larger volume fraction of polyurethane.

Example 7

A stem web of 50:50 by weight of polyurethane resin Estane™ 58661 and astyrenic triblock copolymer Vector™ 4111 was made according toExample 1. The stem geometry is as set forth in Example 1. A flat sheetwas also made using this formulation. The average SFC and DFC values forstem web and the flat sheet are given in Table 4. TABLE 4 Stem web andflat film comparison. Sample ID SFC Dry DFC Dry SFC Wet DFC Wet FlatFilm 2.12 2.08 1.3 1.3 Stem web 2.1 2.0 2.05 1.95

From Table 4 it is evident that both static and dynamic coefficients offriction are comparable for the stem web (60% Estane™ 58661 and 40%Vector™ 4111) and flat sheet when measured in dry conditions. However,when some water was added to the stem web, coefficient of friction ofthe flat sheet decreased by 30%, while stem web maintained its highfriction, within the experimental error. This result is consistent withthe mechanism of wetting described on FIGS. 6 and 7.

Example 8

Three samples of the stem webs of Examples 1, 3 and 5 were examined fordynamic shear strength using the test method described above. A summaryof the results is found in Table 5. TABLE 5 Dynamic Shear Strength -Dynes/cm² (ounces/inch²) Ex- am- ple Sample Peak Valley Average 1 1168,481 140,904 157,709 (39.1 oz/sq. in.) (32.7 oz/sq. in.) (36.6 oz/sq.in.) 1 2 144,351 140,904 143,489 (33.5 oz/sq. in.) (32.7 oz/sq. in.)(33.3 oz/sq. in.) 1 3 202,523  81,009 136,595 (47.0 oz/sq. in.) (18.8oz/sq. in.) (31.7 oz/sq. in.) 1 Average 171,929 121,082 146,075 (39.9oz/sq. in.) (28.1 oz/sq. in.) (33.9 oz/sq. in.) 3 1  18,959  14,650 16,805  (4.4 oz/sq. in.)  (3.4 oz/sq. in.)  (3.9 oz/sq. in.) 3 2 23,268  18,959  21,545  (5.4 oz/sq. in.)  (4.4 oz/sq. in.)  (5.0 oz/sq.in.) 3 3  35,333  21,114  31,886  (8.2 oz/sq. in.)  (4.9 oz/sq. in.) (7.4 oz/sq. in.) 3 Average  25,854  18,097  23,268  (6.0 oz/sq. in.) (4.2 oz/sq. in.)  (5.4 oz/sq. in.) 5 1 168,051 107,725 133,148 (39.0oz/sq. in.) (25.0 oz/sq. in.) (30.9 oz/sq. in.) 5 2 152,969  80,578135,733 (35.5 oz/sq. in.) (18.7 oz/sq. in.) (31.5 oz/sq. in.) 5 3152,538  81,009 112,034 (35.4 oz/sq. in.) (18.8 oz/sq. in.) (26.0 oz/sq.in.) 5 Average 157,709  89,627 127,115 (36.6 oz/sq. in.) (20.8 oz/sq.in.) (29.5 oz/sq. in.)

The stem webs made according to Examples 1 and 5 had the best dynamicshear strength. The samples from Examples 1 and 3 were more similar instem density and stem diameter than those of Example 5. However, thestem height of the samples of Example 3 was approximately half theheight of the stems of Examples 1 and 5. Even the relatively low densitystem web of Example 5 outperformed the samples of Example 3. Therefore,stem height appears to be a significant factor in dynamic shearstrength.

Example 9

A stem web was made using a tool with different stem geometry andsubstantially according to Example 1 with a 78:2:20 by weight blend ofpolyurethane Estane™ 28238, a black colorant (based on Estane™ 58238),and a styrene-isoprene-styrene triblock copolymer Vector™ 4111,respectively. The resulting stem web had about 3,100 stems/inch², withstem diameters of about 10 mil and stem heights of about 19 mil. Thestems were arrayed in a square pattern, with equal spacing betweenadjacent stems in the x-direction and y-direction. The product specs fora friction control article of this example are a stem density of2,500-3,500 stems/inch², a stem diameter of 9-11 mils. and a stem heightof 14-24 mils. The friction control article of this example provides astem web construction with high friction characteristics (thepseudo-coefficient of friction at 100 grams/inch² load was at least 6)and soft feel to the touch, suitable for such uses as bicycle handlebargrips and mating bicycle gloves. The stems are relatively flexible andbendable which creates the desired and predicted friction relationshipbetween such a glove and grip.

Example 10

A high friction pad useful, for example as a pad to hold surgicalinstruments with a pattern of stems on the top and bottom surfaces ismade by the following process.

Polymeric Composition

Table 6 contains the polymeric composition of stems and base layer of ahigh friction article. TABLE 6 Composition of Stems and Base Layer of aHigh Friction Article Amount (wt %) Generic Name Trade Name Source andAddress 98.5 Linear styrene- KRATON D- KRATON Polymers, isoprene-styrene1117P Houston, Texas block copolymer 0.5 Anti-oxidant IRGANOX 565 CibaSpecialty Chemicals Corp., Tarrytown, New York 1.0 White Pigment NumberClariant Corporation, 1015100S Milford, DelawarePreparation of Master Tool Mold

A replication master tooling article prepared as described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,792,411 (Morris et al.) with a 140 stems per square centimeterhole pattern was placed on each of two co-rotating rolls.

Process

The polymeric composition was mixed in a single screw Killion extruder(available as Model KTS-125 from Killion Extruders, Inc., Ceadar Grove,N.J.) with L:D ratio of 24:1 and a single layer feed-block which fedinto a slot die as described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,152,387 (Cloeren) and4,780,258 (Cloeren). The temperature of the extruder ranged from 199° C.to 215° C. The temperature of the die was maintained at 241° C. Themolten polymer mixture was extruded to the junction of two co-rotatingrolls at a flow rate of 3 grams per centimeter per minute. Thetemperature of the rolls was maintained at 54° C. to cool the polymericcomposition. The nip pressure between the co-rotating rolls wasmaintained at 345 KPa (50 pounds per square inch).

A woven polyester scrim (available as Style 490 from American Fiber andFinishing, Inc., Newberry, S.C.) was introduced between the co-rotatingrolls. The scrim had a count of 22 by 10 threads per 2.54 centimetersand the threads were 167 dtex (150 denier) with 70 filaments per thread.

The molten polymer composition was extruded simultaneously with thewoven scrim such that the polymer composition and the scrim werecompressed between the master tools on the co-rotating rolls. The nippressure provides the force needed to drive the polymer compositionthrough the scrim and into the hole pattern of the master tool. The linespeed was maintained at 1.5 meters per minute. As the combination ofpolymer composition and scrim exit the co-rotating rolls, a two sidedpolymeric stem structured film is produced. There were 140 stems percentimeter on both sides of the film and the stems were approximately508 micrometers in height.

This film is useful for a variety of purposes including as a highfriction surgical instrument pad which is used to prevent instrumentsfrom falling on the floor during surgery.

Example 11

A high friction surgical pad with a pattern of stems on the top surfaceis made by the following process.

Polymer pellets (linear styrene-isoprene-styrene block copolymerscommercially available as KRATON™ D1107P, D1112P, D1117P, D1119P, andD1193X from KRATON Polymers, Houston, Tex. and polyurethane based onpolytetramethylene glycol with a Shore A Hardness of 72 A commerciallyavailable as Pellethane 2103-70A from Dow Chemical, Midland Mich.) werepressed into sheets approximately 0.3 cm thick in a heated platten pressat temperatures of 149° C. and a force on a 15.24 cm square platten of2,268-3,175 kilograms (kg). The pellets were pressed between two sheetsof a silicone coated premium release paper release liner.

The polymer sheets were substantially free of large bubble defects.These sheets were allowed to cool and then subsequently pressed into oneof two replication master tooling articles prepared as described in U.S.Pat. No. 5,792,411 (Morris et al.) with a 30 holes per square centimeterdensity and with a 248 holes per square centimeter density by creating asandwich in the press with one of the replication master toolingarticles on the bottom, the polymer in the middle, and a piece of therelease liner on the top (printed side against polymer). This was thenpressed at a temperature of 143-160° C. and a force of 2,268-3,629 kg.The samples were allowed to dwell at this pressure for at least 15seconds before the pressure was released. Once cool the stem webs wereremoved from the mold for testing. The 30 hole/cm² pattern producedstems with a diameter of 0.35-0.40 mm and a height of 3.2-3.8 mm. The248 hole/cm² pattern produced stems with a diameter of approximately 0.2mm with a height of 0.4-0.6 mm. The samples were tested for thestainless steel kinetic coefficient of friction (the “Stainless SteelKenetic Coefficient of Friction”) wet and dry as described in U.S. Pat.No. 4,667,661 (Scholz et al.) except that the flat side of the sled wasagainst the sample. The sled was pulled at 127 cm/min. The KCOF wastaken as the average force integrated over 7.62 cm (3 inches) of pullper 200g (weight of sled). Wet values were obtained by fully saturatingthe web with water and repeating the test.

The Stainless Steel Static Coefficient of Friction was taken as the peakvalue required to get the sled moving. The results are the average oftwo measurements and are reported in Table 7 for the SCOF and Table 8for the KCOF. TABLE 7 Stainless Steel Static Coefficient of Friction(Wet and Dry) for Two Master Tooling Articles with Different HoleDensities Coefficient of Friction Value Hole Density (g/g) Run Polymer(holes/cm²) Dry Wet 1 KRATON D1107P 248 2.2 2.3 2 KRATON D1112P 248 2.82.5 3 KRATON D1117P 248 3.0 2.9 4 KRATON D1119P 248 2.9 2.5 5 KRATOND1193X 248 2.1 2.3 6 Pellethane 2103-70A 248 1.4 1.3 7 KRATON D1107P 302.1 2.4 8 KRATON D1112P 30 2.8 2.3 9 KRATON D1117P 30 3.0 2.9 10 KRATOND1119P 30 2.6 2.6 11 KRATON D1193X 30 1.5 1.8 12 Pellethane 2103-70A 301.2 1.3

TABLE 8 Stainless Steel Kinetic Coefficient of Friction (Wet and Dry)for Two Master Tooling Articles with Different Hole DensitiesCoefficient of Friction Value Hole Density (g/g) Run Polymer (holes/cm²)Dry Wet 1 KRATON D1107P 248 2.2 2.5 2 KRATON D1112P 248 2.8 2.3 3 KRATOND1117P 248 2.7 2.6 4 KRATON D1119P 248 2.7 2.2 5 KRATON D1193X 248 2.32.3 6 Pellethane 2103-70A 248 1.4 1.3 7 KRATON D1107P 30 2.4 2.4 8KRATON D1112P 30 2.8 2.6 9 KRATON D1117P 30 3.2 3.2 10 KRATON D1119P 303.0 3.0 11 KRATON D1193X 30 1.7 1.9 12 Pellethane 2103-70A 30 1.4 1.3

The data indicates that the KRATON samples had much higher static andkinetic coefficient of friction values than the polyurethane sampletested. The KRATON D1117P had the highest values.

Examples 12-18

Stem web articles useful, for example as gripping surfaces forgathering, capturing, grabbing, and/or retaining material such asdebris, lint or hair were prepared as generally described below forExample 12. The materials that were used in the preparation of the stemweb articles are summarized in Table 9. Table 10 contains the polymericcompositions of the stems and base layers of the stem web articles, thescrim type and the process conditions that were used in the preparationof the examples.

Process

Elastomeric polyolefin pellets (Engage™ 8401, 99 weight percent,available from Dow Chemical Company, Midland Mich.) were mixed withcolorant (green colorant, 1 weight percent, available from Polyone,Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.). The mixture was extruded as generallyillustrated in FIG. 9, except that the tooling was configured as a beltrather than a roll. The extruder was a Davis Standard single screwextruder (location) with about 2.5 inches (6.35 cm) screw diameterdesigned for polyolefin processing. At about 30 revolutions per minute(rpm), a single layer extrudate melt was discharged through a 10 inch(25.4 cm) die (Cloeren location) at melt pressure of about 2120 psi. Thetemperature in the last zone of the extruder was about 400° F. (204°C.). The temperature of the die was about 400° F. (204° C.). The meltwas pressed into a silicone belt/tool with a metal roll at a nippressure of about 195 pli.

A nonwoven nylon scrim (Scrim A, a 0.35 ounce/inch² (osy) nylon nonwoven(Style PBN-11), available from Cerex Advanced Fabrics, Inc., Catonment,Fla.) was introduced between the silicone belt/tool and the back-uproll. The molten polymer composition was extruded simultaneously withthe nonwoven scrim such that the polymer composition and the scrim werecompressed between the silicone belt/tool and the back-up roll. The linespeed was maintained at 30 fpm. TABLE 9 Materials Material DescriptionENGAGE ™ ethylene-octene copolymer having Shore Hardness 84A, 8401available from Dow Chemical Company, Midland, MI ENGAGE ™ethylene-octene copolymer having Shore Hardness 67A, 8407 available fromDow Chemical Company, Midland, MI DOWLEX ™ linear low densitypolyethylene having Shore Hardness 2517 92A, available from Dow ChemicalCompany, Midland, MI Scrim A 0.35 ounce/inch² (osy) nylon nonwoven(Style PBN-11), available from Cerex Advanced Fabrics, Inc., Catonment,FL Scrim B 0.65 osy nylon nonwoven (Style PBN-11), available from CerexAdvanced Fabrics, Inc., Catonment, FL Scrim C 10 gsm polyester nonwovenavailable from American Fiber and Finishing, Inc., Albemarle, NC Scrim D0.65 osy polypropylene spunbond nonwoven available from AvgolIndustries, Mocksville, NC Scrim E 40 gsm polyester knitted loop (Style858118) available from Milliken & Company, Spartanburg, SC

TABLE 10 Polymeric Compositions and Process Conditions Extrusion Niproll Cast roll Extruder Line Nip Line Polymer/Colorant System Scrim Dietemp. temp. temp. speed speed pressure pressure Example (weight %) layerType (° F.) (° F.) (° F.) (rpm) (fpm) (pli) (psi) 12 99% Engage ™8401/1% Green A 10″ 400 70 70 30 30 195 2120 Colorant Cloeren 13 99%Engage ™ 8401/1% Blue A 10″ 425 70 70 50 50 145 3830 Colorant Cloeren 1499% Engage ™ 8401/1% Blue C 12″ 450 125 125 30 20 175 1520 Colorant EDI15 98% Dowlex ™ 2517/2% Blue none 10″ 425 125 125 42 80 220 800 ColorantCloeren 16 99% Engage ™ 8401/1% Green D 14″ 425 100 100 45 40 195 2200Colorant EDI 17 99% Engage ™ 8407/1% Yellow B 14″ 425 70 70 45 40 1952220 Colorant EDI 18 99% Engage ™ 8401/1% Green E 14″ 425 100 100 45 40195 2220 Colorant EDI

The physical characteristics of the stem webs are summarized in Table11. TABLE 11 Stem Web Physical Characteristics Stem Stem Stem Base BaseFilm Total Stem Shore Density Height Diameter Stem Angle Thickness WebWeight Example Hardness (spsi) (mils) (mils) (deg) (mils) (gsm) 12 84A900 25 12 90 8 197 13 84A 1200 30 14 60 6 195 (bi-directional) 14 84A2500 23 11 90 5 178 15 92A 900 38 12 90 7 220 16 84A 900 31 12 90 8 20817 67A 900 29 12 90 8 214 18 84A 900 31 12 90 8 208

Hair pick-up data from fleece and upholstery fabric were obtained forthe stem web samples using the test fabrics and the procedure describedin the above Test Method for Hair Pick-up. Coefficient of friction (COF)data for the stem webs against the same fleece and upholstery testfabrics were obtained according to the above Test Method for Coefficientof Friction of Stem Web against Fabric. Fabric wear or damage done bythe stem web samples was evaluated using the test fabrics and theprocedure described in the above Test Method for Fabric Wear. Forcomparison, hair pick-up and COF data were also obtained on flat filmsamples (Control samples A, B, C). Fabric wear data was not obtained forthe controls. The data for Examples 12-17 and Control samples A, B, Care summarized in Table 12. Data was not obtained for Example 18 butwould be similar to that obtained for Example 16 since the samples weresimilar except for the scrim type. TABLE 12 Hair Pick-up, COF and FabricWear Data % Hair Pick- Fabric up % Hair Pick-up COF COF Wear Fabric WearExample (Fleece) (Upholstery) (Fleece) (Upholstery) (Felt) (Upholstery)12 89 87 2.2 3.0 2 2 13 80 76 2.0 3.6 3 3 14 86 89 2.6 2.6 2 2 15 92 741.7 1.8 4 4 16 90 82 2.1 2.6 2 2 17 83 87 2.9 4.9 1 2 Control A 0 0 1.61.3 — — (Engage ™ 8401) Control B 0 0 2.1 1.3 — — (Engage ™ 8407)Control C 0 0 1.2 1.2 — — (Dowlex ™ 2517)

Patents and patent applications disclosed herein are hereby incorporatedby reference. Other embodiments of the invention are possible. It is tobe understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative,and not restrictive. In these application as well as those disclosed andsuggested above, the inventive friction control article can include oneor more of the features of the various embodiments disclosed herein,such as having micro-channels along one of the surfaces of the backinglayer to aid in quickly dispersing liquids and thus enhancing thedesired friction control characteristics of the article when wet. Manyother embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art uponreviewing the above description. The scope of the invention should,therefore, be determined with reference to the appended claims, alongwith the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

1. A stem web comprising: a backing layer having a first surface and asecond surface; an array of from 20 to 1000 upstanding stems per squarecentimeter projecting from the first surface of the backing, whereineach stem has a height from 0.3 and 2.0 millimeters and a shore hardnessless than 90A.
 2. The stem web of claim 1, wherein each stem comprises aheight from 0.5 and 1.5 millimeters.
 3. The stem web of claim 1, furthercomprising an array of from 50 to 250 stems square centimeter.
 4. Thestem web of claim 1, wherein each stem comprises a shore hardness lessthan 70A.
 5. The stem web of claim 1, wherein the backing layer isintegrally formed with the stems.
 6. The stem web of claim 1, whereinthe stems are a poly-olefin based thermoplastic elastomer material. 7.The stem web of claim 1, wherein each stem comprises an aspect ratiofrom 2 to
 4. 8. The stem web of claim 7, wherein each stem comprise anaspect ration from 2.5 to
 3. 9. The stem web of claim 1, wherein thearray of stems comprises an open volume from 60 to 98%.
 10. The stem webof claim 1, wherein the stems are wiped across a surface to capturedebris, lint or hair.
 11. The stem web of claim 10, wherein at least 60%of hair on a surface to be cleaned is captured by the stems.
 12. Thestem web of claim 1, further comprising a reinforcing layer secured tothe second surface of the backing.
 13. The stem web of claim 12, whereinthe reinforcing layer provides an attachment surface to secure thebacking to an independent surface comprising a hook.
 14. The stem web ofclaim 12, wherein the reinforcing layer is a woven, knitted, nonwoven,or scrim.
 15. The stem web of claim 13, wherein the reinforcing layer isa knitted loop.
 16. The stem web of claim 1, wherein the stem web issecured to a tool to be passed across a surface to be cleaned to capturelint and hair.
 17. A stem web comprising, a elastomeric backing layerhaving a first surface and a second surface integrally formed with anarray of upstanding stems projecting from the first surface of thebacking, wherein the stems comprise a height from 0.5 and 1.5millimeters, a density from 50 to 250 stems/cm², and a shore hardnessless than 105A; and a reinforcing layer secured to the second surface ofthe backing layer for providing an attachment surface.
 18. The stem webof claim 17, wherein the reinforcing layer is a woven, knitted,nonwoven, or scrim.
 19. The stem web of claim 17, wherein the stems arewiped across a surface to capture debris, lint or hair.
 20. The stem webof claim 19, wherein at least 70% of hair on a surface to be cleaned iscaptured by the stems.
 21. A method of cleaning a surface comprising,providing a backing layer having a first surface and a second surfaceand an array of at least 15.5 upstanding stems per square centimeterprojecting from the first surface of the backing, wherein each stem hasa height from 0.3 and 2.0 millimeters and a shore hardness less than90A; wiping the stems of the first surface of the backing over a surfaceto be cleaned.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein the surface to becleaned is a fabric or upholstered surface.